Cole Palmer put on a dazzling first-half performance as Chelsea triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain, winning the Club World Cup final 3-0 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.
The young British midfielder netted two goals and set up Joan Pedro for another in a standout display during the tournament’s championship match.
Chelsea took the lead in the 22nd minute when Palmer’s initial shot was blocked by Mendes, but Gusto capitalized on the rebound, finding Palmer unmarked in the center, where he finished skillfully just inside the left post.
Palmer extended the advantage after a cooling break, delivering an exquisite goal. After receiving a precise pass from Levi Colwill, he feigned a pass to a defender before cutting inside and sending a shot into the bottom left corner.
He then turned into a setup man, racing down the flank to assist Joan Pedro, who deftly evaded the offside trap and lifted the ball expertly over goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The defeat was further compounded for PSG in the 83rd minute when Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair.
This victory is significant for soccer fans as it showcases Chelsea’s resurgence and highlights the emergence of young talents like Cole Palmer, who could shape the future of the sport. Moreover, it adds to the narrative of competitive balance in club football, challenging the dominance of traditionally powerful teams like PSG.